Osan Middle School - year one Published March 5, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The lights dim and conversation in the cafeteria drops to a whisper as students take the stage. Soon the room is filled with music, then applause, as audience members cheer for their singing and dancing classmates. But it isn't a scene from "High School Musical"... it's a typical lunch period at Osan Middle School. It's been 145 class days since the school opened its doors to students, parents, staff, and the community, and the lunch dance sessions are just one example of its unique environment. "We're student-centered and are truly transparent in everything that we do," explained Dr. Jennifer Smith, school principal. "We have an open door policy, which allows our parents and the base community to be involved as stakeholders." Parents are encouraged to become actively involved with the school, said Dr. Smith, noting that some parents not only visit the classrooms, but serve as volunteers there. "We're committed to providing the highest quality education possible to each and every student, and parents are our greatest partners." With just 153 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15 to one, smaller classrooms provide a close-knit environment. Prior to the 2009-2010 school year, the middle school grades were part of Osan High School. Katie Hampton, a collaborative teacher for sixth through eighth grade, said that middle school gives students time to grow and room to develop character. "We're the bridge from elementary to high school." "Kids are closer here ... it's like a big family," said Mia LaBella, an eighth-grader and the school's first student government president. "And if you have a problem, teachers are able to work with you more one-on-one." "I've never experienced a school like this," said Mia, who is heavily involved in the decision-making process involving students and was instrumental in developing the school's dance program during lunch. "I don't want to leave." Brenda Massey, an instructional assistant, agreed that the smaller community makes it easier to reach out to the students. And for her son, a seventh-grader at the school, the exposure of many different cultures is a valuable, lifelong lesson. With the Department of Defense Education Activity striving to raise educational standards across the board for schools on military installations, Osan Middle School is the first on base to implement Data Walks for Student Achievement, a Professional Learning Community, and Parent University. "Expectations of DoDEA have risen and accountability is everywhere you look," said Dr. Smith. "We've all had to step up our game." Data Walks represent a process where teachers closely examine their weekly lesson plans to reflect on strategies to better serve students. For some teachers at the school, it's been a new experience. Teacher Tyler Dixon said, "When we have to respond to questions that make us reflect on our instructional strategies within our own lesson plans, it makes one truly look at the needs of our students and where we want to take them academically." "It's been an adjustment for many of us as teachers - but at the end of the day, it works for our students, and that's what really matters." Likewise, the Professional Learning Community provides teachers an opportunity to share their own best practices during staff meetings, answering, "What works in my classroom?" This style of professional development allows teachers to share ideas and reflect on strategies that will improve the success of all students. Ideas and strategies are also shared at each Parent University, designed to further involve parents in the educational process, and provide them the skills and tools needed to help their children succeed. The next Parent University, scheduled at 4 p.m. March 16, will focus on how parents can assist with their children's research projects, demonstrating which resources students use at school and what is available at home. Katie Hampton, a collaborative teacher at the school, said that DoDEA stresses continuous improvement, not just in academics, but in the overall development of each student. "Quality is the key, and our programs provide that," she said.